Three die in Tripura after consuming puffer fish 'Fotka'. Photo: Pinaki Das

Three members of a family including mother, son and daughter-in-law died while five others from two different families are battling for lives in the hospital after consuming deadly species of puffer fish popularly known as ‘Fotka’.

The incident occurred on Tuesday night at Mohanpur area in West Tripura district.

Those critically sick are undergoing treatment at AGMC and GB hospital.

The deceased have been identified as Subhana Biswas, 65, her son Maniklal Biswas, 40, and daughter-in-law Suma Biswas.

Last night they felt pain in their stomach and started vomiting after they ate the fish and Suparna died in her house but other of the family were rushed to hospital by neighours.

Tapan Das, a neighbour who brought them to the hospital said, “Last night after consuming particular species of fish they had severe stomach ache and started vomiting. Around 1.30 at night we rushed them to the hospital.” While one died at home, another died on the way and one more later died in the hospital.

Meantime, Himadri Sarkar investigating officer said, “In the morning we got information that few members of a family from Mohanpur Krishna temple area had fallen ill after consuming a particular fish species. One died in the house and one more in the GB hospital. We are investigating into the incident.”